What's your festival style?

Up until this year I was oblivious to festivals and the fashion. In all honesty I had no interest in them, I was quite happy to listen to my own music at home (while blogging, obviously). This year I'm popping my festival cherry and embarking on my first festival adventure - Reading festival! My instant reaction was what the hell am I going to wear? 

There are so many stereotypes when it comes to festival fashion and I've never been one to follow the crowd, if you want to stand out at a festival, read on! I'm going to offer a weekends worth of fuss-free festival outfits whether your style is rebelliously punk or fiercely feminine.

Indie chick

The indie style is all about an individual style that steers away from major trends and consumerism. The loose fitting clothes, slouchy cardigans and care-free vibe is perfect for festivals. I've created three outfits for a weekend long festival that have the basis of indie style. The first consists of loose flowing shorts and equally loose top with clunky shoes and a stack of bracelets. I love the colours used in this outfit because they're so simple and with a summer tan this outfit would look amazing! The next outfit had a bit of a boho vibe with the maxi dress but I feel that the more alternative sunglasses and bright nail polish give this dress an indie styling. My third outfit is for the colder days and has a very laid back feel. I paired with espadrilles as they're so chilled out and can be thrown on with almost anything. I love the tie-dye, fringed top as it is the epitome of indie styling - home coloured fabrics and things that are cut/customised in sometimes formed the basis of the indie style in the 1990's. 

Chic & Sleek 

This style of clothing is for those fashion forward, always on point gorgeous girlies with a flair for the dramatic. Stepping out in all monochrome is stylish and striking. The first outfit in all white is stunning. To me chic style is all about precision cut clothing, clean palettes and being matched to perfection. The first outfit is all white which will set off any tan acquired lying in your back garden, on the golden sands of Hawaii or simply out of a bottle. Ombréd hair is perfect for this outfit as it offers a more indie vibe which suits a festival perfectly. The second ensemble in all black is striking and you'll appear to just have walked off of the set for'Coven' American Horror Story. All black is one of my favourite colour palettes "Black is modest and arrogant at he same time. Black is lazy and easy - but mysterious . But above all black says this : 'I don't bother you - you don't bother me'" Yohji Yamamoto. In the final ensemble I've chosen a mix of black and white - almost a battle between good and evil. I love how complimentary these colours are together. They scream sophistication and elegance.

Bohemian Beauty 

Boho style revolves around heavy accessories, embroidery and layering, bold patterns and feminine fabrics. I've styled three outfits that use these principles. Boho fashion has become a standard look of festival goers, presumably due to Kate Moss rocking this boho look at many a festival. My first outfit shows layering a large cardigan over a delicate feminine dress with a heavily embellished necklace and a simple pair of sandals. I love the mix of colours in this ensemble. The second outfit is all about twists and knots and bows, just generally playing with the fabric and having fun with fashion. The key piece here is the crochet over jacket, I love the shape of it and it adds and interesting focal point to this outfit. My final ensemble hasn't been over thought, it is simply throwing a tie-dye shirt with some shorts, embellished flip flops and a fringed bag - beautifully boho in seconds! 

Practical Princess 

Festivals are all well and good when they're warm weather with good music pumping out and good vibes all round but shitty weather can ruin your weekend if not prepared properly. These outfits will have you ready for a rainy day, a muddy venue or a heatwave! I adore how sweet the first outfit is; the cute over sized crop top, matching converse, adorable dungarees and all essential parka for those drizzly days. The second outfit is gorgeous and I'm in love with the blend of colours, I love the colour combination of the warm berry of the hunters and the pale pink of the cardigan. The play suit is very sweet and perfect for a summery festival with the floral print. The knee high socks will look on trend with the knee high hunters and the backpack will help you to be prepared for anything. The final outfit is perfect for a sunny day and will help you cover up and stay protected from the sun. 

Girly 

One of the current trends is neon two-pieces - perfect for the girl festival goer. I love the neon colour palette because it just screams summer. The first ensemble is a ruffled off mint top paired with a neon maxi skirt for a striking impact. Wear this outfit with a neon lipstick and a cute pair of flip-flops for a perfectly fun festival vibe. The second outfit is so gorgeous, a teal bandeau with a sheer white top, distressed denim shorts and lace toms, a profusion of rings - it doesn't cute cuter than that! This outfit had a more 'hipster' inspiration. The final outfit is adorable; a lemon coloured lace top, with watermelon pink lace shorts, a heavily embellished necklace and cute white platforms. This trio of outfits is bright and fun making you the centre of attention at any festival! 

Punk rock 

This is by far my favourite collection - it suits me perfectly and will be my style choice for reading as it is my style down to a tee. This style to me is a mixture of goth, emo, punk, fetish and rock - it's my favourite way to dress! The first ensemble is a red tartan top (a change from the usual tartan skirt) paired with an asymmetric leather skirt, stockings and a pair of docs. The second outfit is a band tee (I chose ac/dc because I was listening to them at the time of choosing outfits) and a skirts with braces, a choker with chains and a pair of standard black vans. My final outfit and my personal favourite a simple choker, black bustier top, black skinny jeans with zip detailing and chunk black shoes. I love this style and it gives me a confidence boost when wearing it - I feel comfortable in it. 

I hope this post has been helpful in deciding what to wear to a festival and I hope you have great fun at whatever festival you're attending! I'll be creating a post once I'm fully decided on what I'll be wearing to Reading festival! 

Love Dixie,

:) xox

Thursday: Treat Yourself

Thursday's posts will consist of me picking a beauty item/spa treatment/book/film/activity that is absolutely to die for. I'll choose something that will help to relax and calm you and keep you going until the weekend! Every fashionista needs a rest and I'll give you a great idea on how to get one.

Treat Yourself To: Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath

Autumn can be a stressful time - a new flurry of trends, going back to school, beginning to prepare for Christmas - it's enough to stress out even the calmest of fabulous women.  Here's a wonderful way to wind down and keep worry free, even if it is for a little while! This wonder product works as a bubble bath, shampoo and shower gel, so use it in anyway you like! My personal favourite would be to pour generously into a warm bubble bath, place various candles around the tub and listen to French music (Use the app 'tunein' for almost any radio station worldwide!), that's my favorite wind down.

I chose Vanilla birthday cake as your birthday is the most special day of the year right? The presents, the treats, the good food, the company. The day is all about you and making you happy and that's the same with relaxing time. This scent will drift your mind back to your favourite special days and fill your mind with good thoughts.

The people at Philosophy describe the product as 'delectable' and 'too sweet for words' with added benefits of

1. Rich, moisturising lather
2. Leaves your skin and hair feeling ultra soft
3. Feels like your birthday everyday! 

Feeling as though you must get your hands on this irresistible product? Purchase now from Boots or Philosophy for only £14. 

I recommend picking up some candles while you're at it too to ensure maximum relaxation here are my 3 top picks...

1. Cath Kidston Set of 3 Blossom Scented Candles £16

 

How adorable are these sweet little, flower covered candles? The smell would be absolutely divine!  

2. Blissful Autumn Yankee Candle £8.39

Isn't this wonderfully fitting for the current season? Imagine lying in the bathtub, surrounded by the scent of a vanilla birthday cake and then suddenly catching a sniff of a blissful Autumn day - absolutely perfect.  

3. Set Of Three Vanilla Scented Remote Control Candles £16

The candles are so cute and wonderfully safe, no fire hazards they're super child friendly, the beautiful glow will give a wondrously calming feel, you can order them from here

I hope you have enjoyed this post and that it inspires you to relax and take some time for yourself!

Love Dixie

:) xox

Wednesday: Woman-crush

Wednesday posts will consist of me picking a 'woman-crush' and analysing her look. Each week I will pick one of my icons and look at what she wears, research her beauty secrets and show you how you can recreate her style with a few essentials. I will also consider taking requests for this post so email me with any ideas of a 'woman-crush' at perfect-that-pout@hotmail.co.uk 

Woman-crush: Kim Kardashian

To kick start this new style of post I had to choose my biggest inspiration, no debate it's Miss Kim Kardashian! I have been extremely inspired by her for a number of years and not just the way she dresses. I adore her fabulous style, her flawless make-up, her sleek hair and her glamorous accessories. Not only am I inspired by her but her whole family offer inspiration for my style and I'm constantly incorporating their looks into my own; I'm all for taking inspiration but it's important to be yourself too!

The first step in taking inspiration from an icon is by looking at what they wear, here is a collage of outfits and beauty styles by Kim that have particularly inspire me...

The next step is to realize what it is that I love about these things so here's a closer analysis of an outfit and a make up look that I adore...

I love this outfit for so many different reasons, its included so many aspects of fashion that I love and is one image that I have based my style around. To start off with I love the colour palette - black & gold, very simplistic, very chic. I like that she has paired a very simple black vest with a fitted blazer as it is very minimalist but also effortlessly gorgeous. I like the silhouette of the blazer as it is shapely and flattering. I adore her leather trouser (I bought a very similar pair from H&M) they're very modern and extremely fierce. I like her shoes as they are edgier than a pair of black pumps, they also add personality to her outfit, She has accessorized this look well with an oversized, black tote bag which can hold all of her essentials and completes the look. I like her large black sunglasses as they offer mystery to the ensemble. Finally I love that she threw on a simple gold chain, it is a point of interest as it is a pop of colour and is also quite an elegant touch as it brightens the outfit. This is an outfit that could be worn out shopping, to college or for a lunch date with a friend. It screams sophistication, edginess and style. It's a simple outfit to create that ensures a large impact.

Kim tries out a wonder of new trends (and rocks each and every one of them) but my absolute favourite is her usual smokey eye and nude lip look. This is Kim Kardashian trade mark and its flawless. First of all her skin is perfect, she has a flawless base to begin with and her skins appears to glow. Her blusher and bronzer play an important part in her look as they give her bone structure definition and show of those gorgeous cheek bones. Her eyes are perfectly lined here and the abundance of lashes give a flirty, feminine look. Her large brown eyes are complemented wondrously by her perfectly matched eye shadow, She keeps her eyebrows simple and light, this is often something people get wrong as they make them too dark but Kim knows to keep them simple and allow them to frame her face beautifully. She keeps her lips nude in order to draw attention to the eyes and cheeks which has a very sophisticated feel to it. Finally she uses highlighter to accentuate key features such as her nose and cheekbones.

Next it's time for some research, it's important to look up things advice given by your icon as it's likely they've shared interesting secrets and tips about fashion and beauty. Here are my favourite tips that Miss Kardashian has shared...

1. Take off your Make Up
This is an important tip as taking your make up off each night allows your skin to breathe. By leaving it on you will block your pores and this can cause unwanted spots. Kim likes to use Neutrogena Make Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes in Night Calming













2. Create Contours
Kim's cheekbones are a focal point of her face due to how gorgeous they are. Her bone structure appears flawless, you can achieve this by using Kim's clever contouring trick. Start with foundation and then apply your powder. Next apply concealer all over you cheeks, make a tree shape on your nose allow down your nose to be the trunk and where your nose meets your forehead the leaves, add a little concealer to your chin. Then using an egg shaped brush blend it all in. Now use a matte bronzer -Kim says important to use one without sparkle - and contour in a 3 shape either side of your face. Start on your cheek bones, work down to your chin and then up to your forehead. Kim's favourite bronzer is is Smashbox Bright Lights in Suntan Matte

3. Max Out Your Lashes
Kim believes that it is important to maximise your eyelashes and claims that her long lashes run in the family. She swears by Lancome Doll Lashes and MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash Mascara to create her full lash look. She says it's all about using different mascaras and taking your time when applying each mascara.

4. Keep Your Nails Filed
Kim carries a nail file with her everywhere she goes as she says it's important that her nails are kept in a perfectly rounded square shape at all times. When having them manicured she often files them herself to get them just the way she likes them! Even claiming that she is 'OCD' about her nails!

5. Keep Skin Smooth
Finally Kim believes that keeping your skin smooth is a must. She heads to a Korean Spa in downtown LA in order to exfoliate and remove spray tan from her body which keeps her skin looking fresh and radiant.

Here are 3 purse-friendly beauty products essential for trying out Kim's look...

1. Lash extending Mascara


Max Factor Mascara Wild Mega Lash Black £6.99 Superdrug

2. Matte Bronzer


Collection 2000 Bronze Glow Face & Body Bronzer Sunkissed £3.99 Superdrug

3. Highlighter


Accessorize Shimmer Block Highlighter £6.95 Superdrug 

Finally here are my top 3 things you need to recreate her style in your everyday wardrobe..

1. Fitted blazer

$55 Dorothy Perkins

2. Heels

£20 New look 

3. Oversized bag

£30 Pull & Bear 

I hope this post has inspired you and has given you insight into Kim Kardashian's style and how easy it is to incorporate it into your everyday look!
Love Dixie
:) xox

Monday: Money-saver

Monday posts will consist of a product/garment/accessory that is such a bargain I simply can't refrain from telling the world! I'll post what it is, why I love it, how I'd wear it and how you can get your hands on it, enjoy! 

Money-Saver: Kim Kardashian - Kim Kardashian 30ml £13.75

This is one of Kim Kardashian's fragrances and I am obsessed! I've worked my way through two bottles since December last year and I adore it. It was released in 2009 and is constructed of 'luminous, sweet opening notes, intoxicating, floral middle notes and sensual, sexy aromas in the base.' 

I love this scent because it's so sweet and gorgeous. It's one of my favourite fragrances I've ever had! I find that a lot of fragrances can be too 'old' for me as I'm 16 and don't want to smell like I'm 60! This is a youthful, sweet perfume.

I'll wear this scent everywhere: College, Shopping, Out for dinner, out with my friends/boyfriend/family..anywhere. I've had a wonder of compliments on my fragrance from males & females, teenagers & adults - it's a wonderful scent for almost any age! 

You can buy this perfume from 'All beauty' a website which stocks all kinds of beauty brands for discounted prices. The link for the perfume is here:

http://www.allbeauty.com/productPaging.php?productId=514685

The RRP is £22.95 however they're selling it for £13.75 I recommend you order now!

I hope you enjoyed this post!

Love Dixie

:) xox

New posts!

I've been completely slacking recently on posts and I have come up with a weekly list of things to blog about to keep me focused and producing more interesting posts! Here's a list of the things you can expect...

Monday: Money-saver
Tuesday: Trend Alert
Wednesday: Woman-crush
Thursday: Treat Yourself
Friday: Fierce Find
Saturday: Steal her style
Sunday: Sort out your wardrobe!

Each day I will create a post that is under the category of the titles above. I'm so excited to start producing these and I hope you're excited to read them!
Enjoy and stay fabulous!
Love Dixie
:) xox 

Summer survival guide

The summer's here! That means days on the beach, tanning in the garden, chasing the ice-dream man, delicious BBQ's, fun outdoor parties, stunning summer weddings... The list goes on. Summer is my favourite season due to the bright coloured bikinis, the carefree vibe of clothing and that feeling of slipping on a brand new summer dress over sun-kissed skin. As a teenage girl I adore all the things that come with this wonderful season. Here's my guide to summer, enjoy!

Fashion & Beauty

It's important to be prepared for the season and even more important to look good whilst doing so! Here's a list of what I feel are absolute musts this season, 

Sunglasses

Cute dress

Short shorts

Bandeau/Bralet

Hot bikini

Lipgloss

Bright nail polish

Floral/fruity perfume

Anklets

Floral hair chain

Dry/damaged hair shampoo & conditioner

Sorry the text has appeared a little blurry it says 'Dixieplumpixie 100% recommends I'm not going to bother showing other variations of shampoo and conditioner for dry and damaged hair. I give full marks to these beauties - expect a full review later!'

Music

During the summertime it's important to have a sweet playlist ready for whatever the occasion, whether it's to entertain you as you travel from one adventure to the next or to entertain all of your guests at a BBQ. I've complied a list of my favourite songs that have a guaranteed spot on my summer playlist, my music taste is not too mainstream so be warned there may be some odd ones in there! 

1. All That Jazz - Glee version 
2. American Boy - Estelle ft Kanye West
3. The Baa Baa Song  - The Wombats 
4. Baby Fratelli - The Fratellis
5. Bad Kids - The Black Lips
6. Cape Cod Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
7. Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis
8. Countdown - Beyonce
9. Dance Dance - Fall Out Boy
10. Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas) - Regina Spektor
11. A Heady Tale - The Fratellis
12. Hey Porshce - Nelly 
13. Hey Soul Sister - The Warblers
14. Hit me with your best shot/One way or another mash up - Glee Cast
15. Hold Me - Tom Odell
16. I Love You, Ono - Stereo Total
17. Ignition - R Kelly
18. Last Time - Labrinth 
19. Lolita - Lana Del Rey
20. Look Out Sunshine - The Fratellis
21. Love Song - Glee Version
22. Moi Je Joue - Brigitte Bardot 
23. Naive - The Kooks
24. New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
25. Ooh La - The Kooks
26. Primadonna - Marina and The Diamonds
27. Rhythm Of Love - Plain White T's 
28. Ride - Lana Del Rey 
29. Same Jeans - The View
30. Summerboy - Lady Gaga
31. Sweet Dispostion - The Temper Trap
32. Teenage Dream - The Warblers
33. Tell Him - Glee Version 
34. Theme Park Blues - The Wombats
35. This Ain't A Scene - Fall Out Boy
36. This Is Love - Will.I.Am ft. Eva Simons
37. This Is What Makes Us Girls - Lana Del Rey
38. Trampolining - The Wombats 
39. Twilight - Cover Drive
40. Where Have You Been - Rihanna 
41. Weightless - All Time Low
42. You and I - Lady Gaga
43. (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) - Beastie Boys

Activities 

With such a long time off of school/college it's easy to get bored but with this list of things to do you'll never be bored. Why not try and do at least one of these a week so you'll have a fun-filled summer.

1. Go to the beach with friends/family
2. Have a shopping day 
3. Get together with your best friends and enjoy a pamper day
4. Host a BBQ
5. Go to a music festival
6. Have a camp out
7. Visit a theme park
8. Hold a movie night
9. Hit the gym
10. Try ice-skating
11. Go bowling
12. Have a picnic
13. Visit London (Or your own capital city)
14. Explore somewhere new with friends e.g. hop on the train and explore a new city 
15. Organise a party (e.g. Bodyshop, jewelry etc.)
16. Have a baking day 
17. Visit cute little towns
18. Go to an Ice-cream parlour
19. Go to the zoo 
20. Spend the day at a country park with friends/family 

This year my holidays are around 10 weeks instead of 6 as I've finished secondary school, I'm using this time to not only have a great social summer but to enhance my skills, why not try a new hobby? This year I'm going to:

• Work out
• Teach myself French
• Learn to play the piano 
• Write a novel (I'm currently on chapter 3) 

I hope you enjoyed this post!
Love Dixie
:) xox

Ocean Avenue - The new collection from Warby Parker

Whether you're a daily beach-goer or an occasional seaside visitor, you've experienced a lazy day by the sea. Laying on the warm sand, hearing the waves crash, laughing with close friends. Days at the beach are fun, relaxing and not to mention stylish. It's this that inspired Warby Parker's latest collection 'Ocean Avenue'

I would sum this collection up as retro chic meets modern fierceness! It's the perfect blend of old and new to create a wonderful new collection. Warby Parker have stated 'Our new collection is for boardwalk truants and beach bum days when responsibility has taken a vacation!' They then went on to say 'The Ocean Avenue Collection translates summer crushes into a wearable eye candy for all summer occasions.' I completely agree as I have possibly the biggest summer crush on the 'Jasper' sunglasses in the colour 'Orange Fizz' 

Check out the glasses from the new collection..

There's so many beauties to choose from! I've put together a few possible outfit ideas to go with my favourite pair of glasses, so use this as inspiration when purchasing some Warby Parker eyewear!

Have a look at these shots showcasing some of the collection...

Finally what I love most about this collection is the simple generosity behind it, much like when  you buy a pair of Warby Parker glasses from an existing collection they will distribute a pair to someone in need through their non-profit partners. 

The collection is available from tomorrow and I strongly recommend checking the collection out at the very least!

For any additional information check out warbyparker.com 

I hope you enjoyed this post!

Love Dixie

:) xox

Spring trends 2013

Spring is such a beautiful season; flowers are blooming, cute little animals being born and a whole new season of trends! Spring is possibly my favorite season because of the happy tone the clothes create. The pastel colours, pretty prints and soft cuts just scream adorable! This post is all about key pieces, prints, colours and cuts for the season ahead so fly into spring looking absolutely gorgeous!

First take note of the key garments this season, I'll show you them from the runway, the high street stores and my own closet. I'll be sharing how to recreate these designer ensembles from a not so designer budget!

Garment 1: Oversized white shirt

These oversized white shirts breathed a breath of fresh air onto the spring runways at Jil Sander, Victoria Beckham and Preen. Effortlessly styled with various other white garments the white shirt is an easy piece to master. Take a look at these highstreet versions...

My favorite one of these is the Zara blouse as I feel this really embodies the trend, it's the perfect example of an oversized white shirt! The rolled up sleeves are very chic and the sheerness is fun and fashionable.

My own white shirt for this season was bought at H&M for £7.99 here's how I will be styling it...

I styled my oversized white shirt in three different ways. The first was with a pair of  distressed high-waisted denim shorts which I showed both tucked in and layered over. I then paired it with a pair of leather shorts, this has more of an edgy vibe and can be more simplistic. Finally I paired it with a pair of denim look jeggings that were rolled up at the bottom, this is more casual. I wore all three looks with brown, studded wedges and two of the looks I wore a flower headband.

Oversized white shirt - H&M £7.99
Denim Shorts - H&M -originally they were knee length, then I cut and distressed them myself
Leather shorts - Beatnik emporium - This is a little retro shop in town and these are vintage real leather shorts
Jeggings - Topshop - Not sure of the price as I bought these a few years ago
Wedges - The clothes show - The brand is Yumi if that helps!
Floral headband - Asda - I bought this last year it was around £2
Black vest top - Primark - £2 I think

(The blue ribbon is not part of the ensembles, I wear it every day, in fact I do not take it off - ever!)

Garment 2 - Sporty dresses



Sporty dresses were apparent on the runway this season ranging from bright orange to subtle black. These dresses have a very youthful feel to them and can be styled in so many ways - perfect for a bargainista fashioinista! These dresses were showcased at DKNY, Rag and Bone and Victoria Beckham. Why not try to recreate this look through the highstreet?

These gorgeously crafted dresses are such good examples of sporty dresses. The bright orange dress from French Connection is perfect for the fashion fearless, whilst the navy dress could be better suited to a subtle fashionista. All of these dresses can be accessoriesed wondrously  Why not copy the catwalk and keep your hair simple, your make -up subtle and grab a black bag? Effortlessly fabulous!

Garment 3 - Bomber jackets

Bomber jackets exploded onto the runway this season, seen here at Jonathon Saunders, Loewe and Stella McCartney. As always we've been spoilt for choice with a intricately embellished style, a casual feel and a seriously techno version bomber jacket. The great news is that whatever your style there's a bomber jacket for you! Take a look at three of the high streets hottest bomber jackets...

Another sporty edition to this season the bomber jacket is very statement piece. Perfect for layering on those chilly mornings - fabulous and practical! My favorite piece here is the Bomber jacket from Dorothy Perkins, for me this sums up the modern day bomber jacket - wondrously tailored, perfectly symmetrical and just plain gorgeous! Team this statement piece with bright colours for a fresh, fun day time look.

Accessories 
No season is complete without an array of accessories to brighten even the rainiest of days! Spring style just screams accessorize me, here's my top three favorite accessory trends for this spring.

Accessory 1 - Statement sunglasses

My favourite Spring accessories trend this year is statement sunglasses. If you're in need of a chic way of adding fierceness to your outfit  look no further than a pair of all-eyes-on-you shades! These ones from Anna Sui, Roberto Cavalli & Prada are extremely gorge! Take a look at these beautiful highstreet goodies...

The highstreet have some excellent statement shades this season and these are three of my favorite  I think the River Island pair are stunning! They're also very similar to the Prada pair, channel a designer look at a highstreet price, every girls dream!

Accessory 2 - Low heels

Give your feet a break with these super chic low heels. Something about the low heel screams spring, could it be the simplicity? The chicness? Whatever it is I need them! Put a bounce in your step with these gorgeous highstreet versions...

These low heeled shoes from Zara would be the visual representation of 'Spring footwear' both metallic and low heeled they're perfect! They're extremely versatile and so chic, they are definitely worth the investment. I also love the colour pop the other pairs of shoes, ad these to a simple coloured outfit and you're ahead of the game in seconds.

Accessory 3 - Ladylike handbags 

I'm in love with this trend! This to me is a perfect example of a trend fit or spring, it displays pastel shades, perfect cuts and just pure femininity. Mulberry and J Mendel have done an exquisite job of producing gorgeous handbags and have consequently set the bar high! This season it's all about the arm candy, take a look at the highstreets amazing candy...

For a highstreet price these bags are practically a steal! The tailoring, the colours, the shape you could fool anybody! My favorite for this season is the Topshop mini holdall, the colour is just right for this season and it just embodies Spring. My runner up has to be the Mango tote, although I feel this is more of a versatile piece - as in you could carry it across to every season and still be on trend.

Prints
Prints are a very important part of the trend, the print is the first thing you see from a distance and if it's on trend, you're instantly noticed - for all the right reasons. Here are my three favorite prints/colours for this season...

Print/colour 1 - Monochrome 

Monochrome is a very sophisticated look and can be worn by anybody. This is such an easy trend to pull off and often the most cost effective. You can wear garments from other seasons and just play off the monochrome look, although some cuts and garments may not be so suited to the season! I love the simplicity of this look. Have a look at my highstreet finds...

The garments I chose for this trend are both black and white and in this scenario I would pair them with one colour for the rest of the garments e.g. a black blouse and black skinny jeans with the blazer. However key pieces in either black or white are great too, for example white blazers are very hot this season. I adore these striped skinny trousers from Mango and Miranda Kerr rocked them in the advert!

Here are my ensembles based on the monochrome trend...

Outfit 1

This is more edgy, almost grunge look. I have very minimal jewelry for these looks as it's so simple. The colour palette is simple, although this doesn't mean the clothes have to be, I went for more interesting pieces in this ensemble.

Blouse - Primark - £10
Shorts - H&M The New Icons collection - £7.99
Socks - Primark - I bought these a while ago and am not sure of the price
Creepers - Ebay - £10.99
Bow - Internationale - £1.50

Outfit 2 

Ensemble two is a more fun, girly look and I focused on one print and kept my other pieces simple. I adore this skirt, I think the shape is gorgeous and the print is so cute. The sleeveless blouse is great for spring as if it gets warm you can wear it on its own or if it gets chilly you can layer a jumper over the top and keep the collar as a feature.

Blouse - Primark £6
Skirt - TKMaxx £12.99
Boots - 'Who's Next?' A store near Portobello Market £10
Bow - New Look £2.49
Vest top - Primark £2

Outfit 3 

This is my most chic outfit I styled as it's the most simple and sleek. Although it is spring it cans till be cold so these faux leather pants are still very wearable. I adore this hat, although it is probably more suited to summer I had to throw it in because its so cute! Also it nails two trends in one - monochrome and stripes! Also I had to get the high heels out because at my height I need the boost!

Hat - Primark - £4 (Practically a steal!)
Top - H&M The New Icons Collection - £6.99
Leather Pants - H&M £19.99
Heels - Geroge, Asda £4 (I found them in the sale and it was love at first sight)

Outfit 4 

My last ensemble is very basic and probably would need a jacket to finish it off. This leather skirt was my key piece last Autumn/Winter and I teamed it with all sorts of things knee high socks, burgundy tights, knitted tights, blouses, tops, jumpers - the list goes on. I plan to bring this skirt into the spring season too because it's so cute. It fits well and I like the silhouette it creates.

Collared shirt - Primark £6
Leather skirt - Primark - Around £12 I can't really remember
Heels - Primark £6 ( They were supposed to be £12 but they were half price, I bought them for New Year and ended up wearing completely different shoes instead!)
Hairband - Charity shop -£3.50

Print/colour 2 - Bold stripes

Stripes usually make their appearance into the Spring season in the form of a nautical trend, however this season they're big, they're bold and they're statement. They've slid onto the runways at Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Moschino. Let's see what the highstreet has in store for us...

It takes a seriously fearless fashionista to strut her stuff in a bold striped suit, for me I'd rather take a striped garment and play that into a super chic outfit. For example the striped top from Mango could be tucked into a pair of Bermuda shorts and paired with a pair of super cute flats and a dark pair of statement sunglasses - casual chic, check!

Prints/Colours 3 - Checkers

This trend is super chic, I adore this print as it just oozes sophistication. This season checkers have a very 60's feel to them and Louis Vuitton's collection looked absolutely amazing! I have to say Chanel did a wonderful job with checkers this season - how gorge is that pink A-line dress?! Balmain kept there checkers cheeky and daring in this low cut dress, nipped in at the waist with a fierce belt. Take inspiration from these collections and rock your own highstreet version with these pieces...

My favorite piece here has got to be this gorgeous little dress from Zara. This is the perfect dress for spring! It's sleeveless style makes it great at keeping you cool, or great for layering on chilly days, the print is perfect and the cut is just right. I also love the Forever21 leggings and they're practically a steal at £7.25! That's a great bargain.

Check out these celebs rocking the latest trends... 

Kourtney Kardashian. Elizabeth Olsen and Kim Kardashian are all rocking the oversized white shirt!

Here Naomi Watts, Pippa Middleton & January Jones are all flaunting their gorgeous ladylike handbags. 

Miley Cyrus, Taylor Tomasi Hill & Chloe Moretz are strutting their stuff in sexy stripes.

I hope this post helps you pull together on trend but unique spring looks. Remember it's not about the cost of your outfit, the size of your clothes or who else is wearing it, it's about taking what's hot and putting your own spin on the outfit. Be unique and stay fabulous!

Love Dixie
:) xox